Dwarf golden Mugho pine named `Yama Gold Aureus`

ABSTRACT

A new and distinct variety of dwarf Mugho pine characterized in that its needles are golden in color.

BACKGROUND

This invention is a new and distinct variety of dwarf Mugho pine (Pinusm. mugo) that is characterized by its golden needles. It was discoveredby applicants at their nursery, located at Port Orchard, Wash. The newMugho pine, which is shown in FIG. 1 herein, was found growing naturallyas a sport (an entire plant) in a cultivated area on the grounds of thenursery. The probable parentage is a normal dwarf Mugho pine. It hasnever been offered for sale. The applicants have named the new pine`Yama gold aureus.`

`Yama gold aureus` was asexually reproduced by applicants at theirnursery by grafting branches onto the root systems of other trees. Theresulting grafted plants have been growing at applicants' nursery fornearly fifteen years and have maintained their golden needles as well asall other characteristic features throughout that time period. Examplesof grafted plants are shown in FIG. 2 herein. Additionally, applicantshave asexually reproduced the plant by propagating it from cuttings. Theresulting plants have maintained the distinctive needle color as well asall other characteristic features of `Yama gold aureus`. None ofapplicants' plants have produced any pine cones or seeds.

As noted above, `Yama gold aureus` is characterized by the color of itsneedles, the majority of which have a brilliant golden color. Only asmall number of needles that are obscured from sunlight remain green.The golden color of the needles does not change significantly during theyear, although during the summer when new growth takes place, the newerneedles tend to have a slightly more yellow color than the mature goldenneedles. The golden color is most brilliant in the winter season.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Color photographs

FIG. 1 shows the original sport growing at the nursery mentioned above.

FIG. 2 shows typical examples of grafted plants that exhibit the goldenneedles of `Yama gold aureus`. These grafted plants are approximatelyfifteen years old.

TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION

`Yama gold aureus` appears to have many of the same characteristics of anormal dwarf Mugho pine, P. m. muga, the notable exception being thecolor of the needles.

The needles of `Yama gold aureus` have a color that ranges from 10L3 to10L4 (tending more towards 10L3). (The color designations are based onthose provided in Dictionary of Color by Maerz and Paul, McGraw-HillBook Company, New York, 1930 Ed.). The above color designationscorrespond to the brightest golden coloration attained by the needles of`Yama gold aureus`.

As with a normal dwarf Mugho pine, `Yama gold aureus` produces itsneedles in bundles of 2. The needles are usually about 1 to 11/2 inchesin length.

The growth rate of `Yama gold aureus` is quite slow. From infancy on,the pine tree is a shrubby dwarf pine with stout, crowded branches. Atmaturity, the tree or bush has a maximum height of about 18 inches to 24inches.

The original sport that was discovered by applicants is still growing attheir nursery after 25 years, and to date has not produced anyobservable flowers or cones. It is suspected that `Yama gold aureus`does not have the capability to produce either flowers or cones.

Since `Yama gold aureus` grows close to the ground, is fully branchedand bears golden/yellow foliage year-round, it is a good ornamental foraccent plantings and/or for difference in foliage, color and texturebetween plants. It can be high grafted, similar to the Pine densifolia`Taniyoshi` which would create a specimen type plant. It can also beused for an attractive effect in a garden or planted in shallow pots andornamentally shaped in the bonsai manner.

`Yama gold aureus` seems to have the same disease and frost resistanceof Pinus m. mugo.

We claim:
 1. A new and distinct variety of Pinus m. mugo (dwarf Mughopine) substantially as herein shown and described, characterizedparticularly by its year-round golden needles.